Who Is Colin Kaepernick? by Lakita Wilson
A Review By: SS
Learn about the inspiring life and career of professional football player and activist Colin Kaepernick in the new Who HQ Now format featuring newsmakers and trending topics.
On August 14, 2016, NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick began a protest when he refused to stand for the national anthem. He wanted to make a statement about the oppression of people of color in the United States after he had spent a summer speaking out against police brutality. After playing professional football for six seasons, that would become Colin Kaepernick's last season in the NFL, but he would go on to become one of the most prominent activists of today.
Colin believed that speaking out against racism was far bigger than football, and other athletes agreed with him. Today, hundreds of athletes—from high schools to professional teams—still kneel during the national anthem to protest the treatment of people of color in America. This is Colin Kaepernick's story.
Discover more about Colin Kaepernick's story in this addition to the New York Times bestselling series.
Review Notes:
Audio Book Publication Year: 2022
An installment in a Series? Yes
Narrator (s): Cary Hite
The story began by telling about Colin Kaepernick’s early life and his journey to becoming an NFL player. Although Kaepernick was proving himself to be a stellar athlete, readers learned that he was also concerned about the injustices being served toward African Americans in our country. In 2016, Colin decided to show his support for African American citizens being murdered by police officers by sitting, then kneeling during the National Anthem. Although he was supported by many, he also faced opposition and suffered consequences as a result. This story opens the door to conversations regarding real life current events and life experiences. I don’t think this story is suited for younger children due to the topics of death and police brutality.
I liked how the book addressed how Colin continues to stand up for his beliefs even though he was faced with backlash and serious consequences. Cary Hite kept a pleasant tone with this informative story.
Reading Recommendation? Yes!
Rating: 4 (It’s lit!)
Content Warnings? Human or animal loss, Physical abuse/violence
